May 7, 2020
General dentistry involves the use of various dental services which allow your dentist to diagnose, treat and prevent harmful oral conditions. These services are performed to enhance your overall health and well-being. Therefore, maintaining your dental hygiene is more important than you may think.
Why is dental hygiene so important to your overall health?
Dental hygiene is important to your overall health as oral conditions that are left untreated can negatively impact other parts of your body.
Each day, you may consume different types of food and liquid to fuel your body. As a result, you may be putting yourself at more risk of developing harmful bacteria within your mouth.
Your mouth contains hundreds of species of bacteria, with some considered to be harmful. When the harmful bacteria feed off sugary and starchy products, they emit a toxic acid.
The acid can damage the thin protective layer around your teeth called the enamel. This may leave your teeth exposed. We highly recommend you practice good oral hygiene each day to eliminate bad bacteria before it causes harm.
Without proper oral care you may develop issues such as:
- Oral infections
- Periodontis (gum disease)
- Tooth decay
Furthermore, bacteria use your mouth as an entry point to gain access to other parts of your body. From here, it can travel deeper and cause more damage to your overall health.
Research suggests that bacteria related to bad oral health might be linked to:
- Developing endocarditis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Complications with pregnancy and childbirth
- Pneumonia
Therefore, maintaining your oral health is essential to enhance your overall, long-term health.
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. Daily flossing should also be part of your routine. Brushing and flossing will help you dislodge any leftover food that may be trapped between your teeth. By following a good oral hygiene routine, you will reduce the risk of bad bacteria developing within your mouth.
General treatments that maintain your oral health
From a dentist’s perspective, the Australian Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist once every six months. This will allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and provide solutions to dental problems that may arise at an early stage.
At Coastal Dental Care, we offer check-up and cleans to our patients to monitor their oral health. For new patients, it is a great way for our dentists to understand your current oral condition and previous conditions. During a check-up and clean assessment, you will receive:
- X-ray(s) of your mouth
- Scale
- Teeth polish
- Fluoride
For severe cases, your dentist may advise you to undergo another dental treatment to resolve an underlying issue. As a result, your dentist may recommend another general procedure including:
- Fillings
- Sleep apnoea treatment
- TMD/TMJ disorder treatment
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Mouthguards
Book an appointment
If you are due for your routine check-up, contact us today to organise your next visit with one of our friendly dentists. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online, 24/7.